Montefiore Einstein has secured a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide advanced research training to postgraduate trainees from underrepresented groups in medicine. This five-year initiative, known as the “Purposeful Outreach for Diversity and Inclusion of Underrepresented in Medicine (PODIUM) Physician-Scientists” program, aims to address health inequities by fostering a new generation of diverse researchers.
The program will support nine researchers over its duration, offering intense research training and mentorship from 28 established senior investigators across Montefiore Einstein. Trainees will focus on heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders, with a particular emphasis on health inequities in the Bronx community.
Dr. Marina Reznik, Principal Investigator and Professor of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, emphasized the grant’s significance: “This competitive grant enables us to recruit and train the next generation of diverse researchers who are dedicated to addressing health inequities in our community and across the country.”
The comprehensive training includes opportunities to earn a master of science degree through Einstein’s Clinical Research Training Program and participation in the Biomedical Sciences Leadership Program. These components will enhance trainees’ research skills, career development, and cultural competency.
Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Carmen R. Isasi highlighted the program’s dual goals: “By offering this advanced training opportunity to individuals from diverse backgrounds, we aim to increase the number of researchers underrepresented in medicine who pursue academic careers in research and, at the same time, help them uncover meaningful solutions for people experiencing health inequities.”
This initiative underscores Montefiore Einstein’s commitment to engaging minority and health disparity populations in research that directly impacts health outcomes, positioning the institution as a leader in addressing health inequities through diverse representation in medical research.
See: “$1.5M NIH Grant Will Provide Advanced Research Training to Underrepresented Physician-Scientists at Montefiore Einstein” (December 11, 2024)